Just before midnight, Station 1 responded to a report of a tractor trailer accident with fire on I-77 Northbound just before Exit 23 (Gilead Road). Initial reports were that it involved an overturned tanker that exploded with the driver trapped. Our Engine 1 arrived on scene first to find no tanker involved and no overturn. They did, however, find a tractor trailer with the tractor heavily involved with fire. Fortunately, the driver escaped the wreckage prior to our arrival. Engine 1 pulled an attack line across the center wall and began fighting fire as Tanker 1 arrived with additional water. Command added two additional Tankers (Davidson and Mount Mourne Fire Departments) as Long Creek Fire was arriving on scene. Crews were faced with a stubborn fire in the rear trailer area and firefighters had to hand carry and offload all the material inside the trailer (plastic storage bins) in order to finally extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene for just over 3 hours, the interstate did not fully open until after 9am. I-77 Mobility Partners and NCDOT had to repair portions of the roadway (guardrail and jersey walls).
VIDEO FROM THE SCENE: IMG_4661
We appreciate the help of Long Creek Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC, Davidson Fire and Mount Mourne Fire Dept for the assistance. Below are some additional pics from the scene. #CLTtraffic
